Excerpts from azcentralcom:

Former Phoenix Fire Chief, Alan Brunacini died Sunday.

Brunacini joined the Phoenix Fire Department in 1959 and served as fire chief for 28 years. Prior to becoming fire chief in 1978, he held every sworn position in the organization including a firefighter, engineer, captain, battalion chief, and assistant chief. 

Brunacini was the pioneer of the current National Standard on Firefighter Safety, NFPA 1500 and had also co-authored nine books pertaining to fire service. 

Brunacini served as the Fire Chief from 1978-2006.